Blockchain
Horizon Media Launches Industry-Leading Metaverse- and Web3-focused Unit, Chapter & Verse
With every new headline around the Metaverse or Web3, most marketers are trying to make sense of it and navigate this new unknown for their brand.
Donnie Williams, Horizon Media
Today, Horizon Media, the largest U.S. media agency according to AdAge Data Center 2022, announced the launch of Chapter & Verse, one of the industry’s first standalone units dedicated to the Metaverse, Web3, NFTs, blockchain, cryptocurrency, DAO communities and all other related facets. The unit, Chapter & Verse, will have three core capabilities: Consulting, Creative Concepting & Development, and Event Activation.
The unit will be led by Donnie Williams, EVP/Chief Digital Officer, Horizon Media, and Pedro L. Rodriguez, SVP, Business Growth, Digital Marketing & Transformation, Horizon Media, who are also both co-Founders of Chapter & Verse.
“We know that the Metaverse and Web3 will bring a sea change for consumers and present unprecedented opportunities for brands when done right,” said Bill Koenigsberg, CEO & Founder, Horizon Media. “Our practice and expertise will educate and shepherd clients successfully through this exciting period of rapid innovation.”
The first of the three offerings, Consulting, will focus on the two areas that brands have shown the most interest in – education about the space and how best to approach the Metaverse. The unit will help clients navigate and understand Web3 & the Metaverse (and the transition from Web2 to Web3), provide strategy, ideation, concepting and project management for executions/activations.
The second offering, Creative Concepting & Development, will help brands build immersive experiences within the Metaverse, including in-game media creative, digital billboards, NFT development, NFT/DAO marketing amplification, brand merchandizing on platforms, blockchain for customer loyalty programs and fan engagement/ticketing.
The third offering, Event Activation, will help clients execute & optimize experiential and retail activations, including potential large-scale event marketing initiatives such as Super Bowl, Music Festivals and Red Carpet events, when brand-appropriate.
“Far too often in our industry, we see marketers and agencies take a sluggish ‘wait and see’ approach with new technologies,” said Williams. “Instead, we at Horizon have quickly embraced and assembled expertise that will educate and guide brands through these unchartered waters, so they not only feel comfortable within these new environments, but also, so that no opportunity is missed.”
“Next-gen solutions for our clients in this space requires that we collectively push beyond core media activities,” said Rodriguez. “So we are launching ‘metaMondays’ – an open forum series for Horizon employees and clients to engage on a broad range of topics and to inspire creative ideas. metaMondays will include a broad variety of speakers and topics, focused on community education around brand and marketing application.”
In fact, the origin of the unit’s name derives from the way the unit intends to operate – first provide brands a “chapter” of base knowledge, followed by several “verses,” i.e. other facets of related technology. Core to the initiative will be a definitive focus on inclusivity, allowing brands to foray into this arena in a responsible manner.
Blockchain
Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – January 30, 2025 (Dogecoin, U.S. Army, DeepSeek, Web3)
Introduction
The blockchain and cryptocurrency industry continues to evolve, with major advancements in institutional adoption, regulatory modernization, and innovative applications. Today’s roundup covers Dogecoin’s new blockchain strategy, the U.S. Army’s use of blockchain for tracking aid, notable blockchain startups, domain challenges for Web3 companies, the first AI blockchain agent, and Luxembourg’s legal updates for custody chains. Let’s break down the biggest headlines shaping the future of blockchain technology and decentralized finance.
Dogecoin Unveils Strategic Blockchain Movement
Expanding Beyond a Meme Coin
Dogecoin, often viewed as a lighthearted cryptocurrency, is making serious strides toward blockchain utility with a new strategic initiative aimed at expanding its use case beyond simple transactions. The Dogecoin Foundation has announced plans to integrate layer-2 solutions, smart contracts, and interoperability features, potentially positioning DOGE as a serious competitor in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space.
This move signals a shift in the perception of Dogecoin, which has long relied on community-driven momentum. With the new strategy, DOGE could become an integral part of the growing Web3 ecosystem.
Source: Crypto Briefing
U.S. Army Utilizes Blockchain for Aid Tracking in Ukraine
Military Adopts Emerging Tech for Transparency
The U.S. Army is leveraging blockchain, big data, and generative AI to track billions of dollars in aid sent to Ukraine. This marks a significant step in blockchain’s adoption by governments and defense agencies to enhance transparency and prevent fraud.
By using blockchain for immutable record-keeping, military officials aim to improve logistics tracking, reduce inefficiencies, and ensure secure auditing of aid distribution. This could set a precedent for future government adoption of blockchain-based verification systems.
Source: Breaking Defense
10 Blockchain Startups to Watch in 2025
Innovation Driving the Next Wave of Web3
A new report highlights ten emerging blockchain startups poised to disrupt industries from finance to supply chain management. These companies are working on scalable smart contracts, decentralized identity solutions, and improved cross-chain interoperability.
Among the standout names are startups focusing on privacy-preserving transactions, institutional DeFi tools, and real-world asset tokenization, reinforcing blockchain’s growing role in mainstream finance and enterprise adoption.
Source: Yahoo Finance
Web3 Companies Struggle with Domain Name Challenges
Decentralization vs. Traditional Domain Ownership
As blockchain companies push forward with Web3 adoption, many are encountering significant hurdles in securing relevant domain names. Unlike traditional domains governed by ICANN, blockchain-native domains such as .crypto and .eth exist outside standard regulatory frameworks, leading to disputes and accessibility issues.
Industry experts are calling for greater collaboration between blockchain projects and domain registrars to ensure seamless Web3 adoption while maintaining online accessibility for users.
Source: Domain Name Wire
Klaus Agent Becomes the First Blockchain AI to Use Custom DeepSeek Model
AI and Blockchain Converge
The Klaus Agent, an AI-powered blockchain agent, has integrated the DeepSeek AI model to enhance decision-making, smart contract automation, and decentralized application (dApp) intelligence. This innovation represents a major step in merging artificial intelligence with blockchain networks, allowing for more sophisticated automation in DeFi, NFT trading, and DAO governance.
As AI and blockchain continue to converge, the potential for autonomous smart contract execution and predictive analytics is expected to grow, leading to more efficient decentralized systems.
Source: GlobeNewswire
Luxembourg Modernizes Custody Chain Laws for Blockchain
A Legal Framework for Tokenized Assets
Luxembourg, a key financial hub in Europe, has updated its custody chain regulations to accommodate blockchain-based assets. These changes are designed to facilitate institutional adoption of tokenized securities and digital asset custody solutions.
By providing a clear regulatory framework, Luxembourg aims to attract fintech firms, investment funds, and digital asset custodians, further strengthening its position as a leader in blockchain finance.
Source: National Law Review
Conclusion
The latest blockchain developments underscore the rapid evolution of the industry, from Dogecoin’s strategic shift to military adoption of blockchain for transparency. As AI and blockchain begin to merge, and governments refine regulations, we are witnessing a pivotal moment in decentralized technology.
With institutional interest growing and regulatory frameworks taking shape, blockchain and Web3 technologies are moving closer to mainstream acceptance. Stay tuned for the next Blocks & Headlines briefing as we continue to track the most significant trends shaping the future of decentralized finance and digital assets.
The post Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – January 30, 2025 (Dogecoin, U.S. Army, DeepSeek, Web3) appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
Blockchain
Fintech as a Service Business Research Report 2025: Global Market to Reach $1.1 Trillion by 2030 from $387 Billion in 2024 – SMB Adoption of Fintech Services Spurs Market Expansion Opportunities
Fintech as a Service (FaaS) Market
Blockchain
From Apes to Humans: ApeChain Joins Humanity Protocol’s zkProofer Network to Scale Proof of Humanity
The post From Apes to Humans: ApeChain Joins Humanity Protocol’s zkProofer Network to Scale Proof of Humanity appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
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